noun
pyromaniac
peye-roh-MAY-nee-ak
Pyromaniac (noun) means a person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire. Example: “The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.”
noun
1
A person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire.
"The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires."
"Doctors described his condition as pyromania, and the tabloids simply called him a pyromaniac."
How to use pyromaniac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who compulsively starts fires, often as a genuine psychological disorder rather than simple mischief.
Common mistake
Not just "someone who likes fire" — clinically it implies a compulsive urge, not casual interest.
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Word forms
- Plural
- pyromaniacs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.
Etymology
Built from pyro- ("fire") plus -maniac ("someone obsessed with").
Rhymes for pyromaniac
zodiac
cardiac
Pontiac
amnesiac
brainiac
insomniac
egomaniac
aphrodisiac
kleptomaniac
megalomaniac
nymphomaniac
hypochondriac
See all rhymes for pyromaniac →
Frequently asked questions
What does “pyromaniac” mean?
The word “pyromaniac” means a person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire. In plain terms, someone who compulsively starts fires, often as a genuine psychological disorder rather than simple mischief.
How do you pronounce “pyromaniac”?
“Pyromaniac” is pronounced peye-roh-MAY-nee-ak (/ˌpaɪɹoʊˈmeɪniæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pyromaniac” in a sentence?
Here is “pyromaniac” used in a sentence: “The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.”
What part of speech is “pyromaniac”?
“Pyromaniac” is a noun.
